Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - May 17, 2017

May 17, 2017

www.gfb.org

Vol. 35 No. 10

JUNE 30 DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR GFB FOUNDATION FOR AG GRANTS County Farm Bureaus, 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters have until June 30 to apply for grants of up to $500 the Georgia Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is offering to fund activities and projects that will improve students’ or consumers’ understanding of agriculture or offer leadership development for members of the ag community.

The foundation is offering 10 grants to county Farm Bureaus in amounts up to $500. Grants are offered to county Farm Bureaus on a competitive basis with priority given to programs demonstrating a need for financial support. All applications must be submitted online. The next issue of County Farm Bureaus should visit GFB News Alert https://tinyurl.com/countygrantapplication to apply. comes out Four grants of $500 each are available for 4-H Clubs or FFA Chapters to May 31. support leadership development and ag literacy projects conducted by the student organizations. County Farm Bureaus and their leaders are encouraged to share this opportunity with your local 4-H and FFA leaders. The 4-H and FFA grant application is available at https://tinyurl.com/4hffagrantapplication.

Recipients will be notified they are receiving a grant by July 30. The funds will be awarded by Aug. 15. Recipients of all grants must submit a follow-up report and at least two photos to the GFB Foundation for Agriculture within 30 days of holding the program the grant funds. Projects funded by the grants must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant. Each county Farm Bureau, 4-H Club or FFA Chapter may receive one grant per calendar year.

Visit http://www.gfbfoundation.org/aitc_grants.html for examples of projects that qualify for the grants and for complete guidelines. Contact Katie Gazda, executive director of the foundation, with questions regarding the application or selection process at kngazda@gfb.org or 478-4740679, ext. 5230.

The GFB Foundation for Agriculture is a non-profit charitable foundation that funds projects to increase the public’s understanding of agriculture, offers scholarships to students pursuing careers in agriculture or a closely related field, and funds leadership development programs. Visit www.gfbfoundation.org to make a tax-deductible donation or for more information about its programs.

GFB News Alert page 2 of 11 DEAL SIGNS LIVESTOCK LIABILITY BILL INTO LAW On May 1, Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law a bill to establish liability limits for those who conduct livestock activities for educational, scholarship or training purposes.

“This bill was several years in the making,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long. “It provides important protection for our livestock owners in situations where visitors to their farms have interaction with animals. We’re pleased we were finally able to get this bill passed.”

Georgia Farm Bureau supported the bill, HB 50, which was sponsored by Rep. Clay Pirkle (RAshburn). It was passed in the Georgia House by a 170-3 vote on Feb. 1 and a 50-0 vote in the Senate on March 16. The bill goes into effect on July 1.

Henry County Farm Bureau President Ross McQueen participated in the signing ceremony in Deal’s office at the state capitol. According to GFB Public Policy Director Jeffrey Harvey, the bill is meant to encourage on-farm participation and promote agriculture education, especially among 4-H and FFA students.

Under the law, sponsors of livestock activities are shielded from civil liability as long as they have taken certain measures to protect participants from harm. Livestock activity for cattle, swine, sheep and goats is defined in the bill as any activity in which participants are involved in grazing, herding, feeding, branding, boarding, milking, inspecting, or evaluating livestock. Ultimately, the bill provides similar liability protections for livestock as currently provided for llamas and equines.

To view a video about the bill visit http://bit.ly/livestockliability.

GFB PRESENTS TOP PRIZE FOR 2016 HAY CONTEST WINNER Laurens County Farm Bureau member Jeff Bacon, third from left, won the 2016 GFB Hay Contest and a year’s use of a Vermeer TM850 trailed mower. Bacon received the mower on May 8. With him, from left, are GFB Public Policy Assistant Director for Ag Programs Joe McManus, Bacon’s wife, Brenda, Vermeer Regional Sales Manager Bryan Setzer and Matt Perfect of Perfect Equipment in Elko.

GFB News Alert page 3 of 11 EPA, CORPS SEEK GOVERNORS’ INPUT ON WOTUS; EPA LAUNCHES WEBSITE The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sent a letter to state governors on May 8 asking for suggestions on how to revise the definition of “waters of the United States.”

The two agencies indicated they are taking steps to implement President Trump’s Feb. 28 executive order directing them to review and revise the Clean Water Rule (commonly referred to as the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Rule), which the two agencies established in June 2015.

Georgia Farm Bureau was strongly opposed to the rule, which it regarded as a gross overreach of federal authority. More than two dozen states filed lawsuits to stop the rule from being implemented.

Meanwhile, the EPA has launched a new website to give the public information about the agency’s review of the WOTUS rule. The website, www.epa.gov/wotus-rule, replaces the website developed for the rulemaking process to establish the WOTUS rule.

According to an EPA press release, the site will provide the public with information explaining the agency’s actions, along with those of the Department of the Army and the Army Corps of Engineers, to review the WOTUS rule, including how the agencies are working with local, state and tribal partners, to examine the agencies’ role in the regulation of water under the Clean Water Act. GA COUNTIES RECEIVE DISASTER DECLARATIONS DUE TO MARCH FREEZE On May 3 the USDA issued disaster declarations for a total of 34 Georgia counties to help farmers mitigate their losses caused by a freeze that occurred from March 15-18.

The following counties received primary designations: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Long, Lowndes, McIntosh, Pierce, Ware and Wayne.

The following counties qualify for USDA disaster assistance programs because they are contiguous to a primary county designation: Ben Hill, Colquitt, Cook, Glynn, Irwin, Liberty, Mitchell, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Wheeler and Worth.

Farmers in counties named either primary disaster areas or contiguous counties are eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.

Other FSA programs that can provide assistance, but do not require a disaster declaration, include Operating and Farm Ownership Loans, the Emergency Conservation Program, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program and the Tree Assistance Program.

Interested farmers may contact their local USDA Service Centers for more information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 11 GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS APPROVE CONTINUED ASSESSMENT Georgia pecan growers overwhelmingly voted to extend the assessment of one cent per pound of pecans by producers with more than 30 acres for an additional three years. Of the eligible ballots returned, 85.48 percent voted yes. The balloting period for the market order was conducted from April 1 to April 30.

The Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission (ACC) for Pecans uses the assessment for pecan research, education and promotion projects. The ACC for Pecans was established in 1994 by the Georgia legislature and has continued to support important projects for Georgia pecan growers, with the majority of the funds committed to research projects addressing tree fertility, insects, diseases, plant breeding selection, nutrition, extension and production practices education as well as marketing and promotion efforts in e-commerce and other activities.

Georgia ranks No. 1 in the United States in pecan production, and the crop has a farm gate value of $361 million dollars.

FIRE IN OKEFENOKEE NWR BURNS MORE THAN 152,000 ACRES A fire started by lightning in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) had burned 152,231 acres of forestland and was 23 percent contained as of May 17, according to information issued by state and federal agencies working to contain the fire.

According to a multi-agency press release, 971 personnel are fighting this fire, designated as the West Mims fire. Equipment resources include 117 wildland fire engines, 66 bulldozers, 11 helicopters and four fixed-wing air tankers. Personnel include two interagency “hot shot” crews and various overhead and support personnel.

The West Mims Fire was initially reported on April 6. It straddles the Georgia-Florida state line southeast of Fargo, Ga., approximately 2.5 miles northeast of Eddy Tower. The fire is currently located within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Florida’s John M. Bethea State Forest, and Osceola National Forest. A Georgia Forestry Commission Incident Management Team is assisting in managing the fire with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Forest Service, and U.S. Forest Service.

Updates are available on the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/okefenokeewildliferefuge/?ref=bookmarks.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has temporarily suspended animal interstate movement health requirements for entry into Georgia for the evacuation of animals from areas affected by the fire. This suspension does not apply to animals entering Georgia from other destinations.

Florida has temporarily suspended the import and export requirements for the transportation of animals from the affected areas in Southeast Georgia.

Persons transporting livestock into or out of Florida are still required to stop at the agricultural inspection stations. In lieu of health documentation, a transporter will be issued an Advisory Notice, which must remain with the livestock during transport to or from Florida and upon the return trip to the original state of destination.

This suspension is temporary and will expire on May 31 unless it is rescinded or extended.

GFB News Alert page 5 of 11 GEORGIA CONGRESSMEN URGE USDA TO RESCIND POULTRY REGS On May 5, members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation sent a bipartisan letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging him to rescind three Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rules.

In the letter, which was signed by 10 of Georgia’s 13 current members of the House of Representatives, the members said the three rules “would inflict billions of dollars of economic harm to American agriculture, exceed GIPSA’s statutory authority and represent an arbitrary and capricious abuse of federal regulatory authority.”

The three rules, issued on Dec. 20, 2016, are an interim final rule regarding the scope of sections of 202 (a) and 202 (b) of the Packers and Stockyards Act, the proposed rule “Poultry Grower Ranking Systems,” and the proposed rule “Unfair Practices and undue Preferences in Violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act.” Reps. Austin Scott (R-8th District) and David Scott (D-13th District), both members of the House Agriculture Committee, signed the letter, as did republicans Rick Allen, Buddy Carter, Doug Collins, Drew Ferguson, Tom Graves, Jody Hice, Barry Loudermilk and Rob Woodall.

“We urge you to promote American business, eliminate stifling regulation, and make a clear statement of support for American agriculture by rescinding the GIPSA interim final rule and withdrawing the two GIPSA proposed rules,” the members wrote. “Even based on GIPSA’s own analysis, these rules are completely out of line with our priorities to eliminate burdensome regulations and to promote American businesses. Rescinding the rules would allow livestock and poultry producers to market their animals how, when, and where they want to without GIPSA dictating the transactions.”

Visit http://bit.ly/GAdelegationltr to read the letter in its entirety.

U.S. CATTLEMEN GET ACCESS TO BRAZIL, CHINA; USDA SETS UP TRADE POST U.S. beef producers received encouraging news regarding two international trading partners, and the USDA established an undersecretary for agricultural trade.

On May 4, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the first shipments of U.S. beef to Brazil since 2003.

According to a USDA press release, Brazil closed its market to imports of U.S. fresh beef in 2003 over concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Since then, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have worked with Brazilian officials to regain market access.

“With Brazil’s large market reopened to the United States, U.S. beef exports are poised for new growth. I look forward to Brazilians getting the opportunity to eat delicious American beef, because once they taste it, they’ll want more of it.” Perdue said.

On May 11, the U.S. and China agreed to a 100-day action plan under the U.S.-China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue. Included in the action plan is a provision for one more round of technical consultations between the two nations before China will begin accepting imports of U.S. beef no later than July 16.

Also on May 11, Perdue announced the creation of an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs in the USDA. According to a USDA press release, agricultural and food exports account for 20 percent of the value of U.S. farm production, and every dollar of these exports creates another $1.27 in business activity. Every $1 billion in U.S. agricultural exports supports approximately 8,000 U.S. jobs.

The creation of undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs is part of a USDA restructuring directed by Perdue.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 11 GEORGIA FFA PRESENTS AWARDS AT 89TH ANNUAL CONVENTION Georgia FFA presented its awards during the 89th Georgia FFA State Convention, held April 27-29 at the Macon Centreplex. In addition to the awards, Georgia FFA recognized 736 state FFA degree recipients.

Courtney Conine of Pelham won the FFA Discussion Meet, which was sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau. Other finalists were Guerin Brown of Greene County, Rebecca Wallace of Cambridge and Rachel Baker of Jackson County. Conine won a $500 savings bond. Each finalist received a $250 savings bond.

The Cambridge chapter won the National Chapter Award, which recognizes chapters for excellence in creating a balanced program of activities.

Georgia FFA presented four State Star Awards recognizing outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. Winners were: Agribusiness, Rhine Brady, White County; Agricultural Placement – Garrett Harrell, Colquitt County; Agriscience – Courtney Cameron, Lowndes County and Farmer – Eli Smallwood, Jasper County.

The Apalachee High School chapter won the National FFA Week Observance Award, which recognizes chapter activities during National FFA Week.

The winner of the 2017 FFA Talent Competition was Emma Long of the Pickens County Middle chapter.

The Wayne County chapter finished first in the Hall of Georgia Competition, in which chapters created displays showcasing information about Georgia agriculture.

Six sets of winners were recognized for their projects entered in the Agriscience Fair.

The winners in the Animal Systems category were: Division 1 - Kate Walker, Malcom Bridge Middle School; Division 2 – Coriander McGreevy and Emma McElharron, Hilsman Middle School; Division 3 – Lauren Moyer, Dutchtown; Division 4 – Gracy Sexton and Brooklyn Carr, Sonoraville; Division 5 – Clay Parker, Lowndes County; Division 6 – Tiara Wise and Emmalea Linebarger, Lowndes County.

Winners in the Environmental Systems category were: Division 1 – Katie Chamlee, LaFayette Middle; Division 2 – Amarde Ochieng and Lette Veeder, Oconee County; Division 3 – Marin Lonner, Oconee County; Division 4 – Cedric Montgomery and Zachary Gay, Lowndes County; Division 5 – Destiny Cheely, Washington County and Division 6 – Morgan Sysskind and Avery Fletcher, Lowndes County.

Winners in the Food Systems category were: Division 1 – Zachary Daw, Lowndes County Middle; Division 2 – Kathleen Rothwell-Adcock and Allie Royston, Franklin County; Division 3 – Emily Stone, Lowndes County; Division 4 – Jaylin Johnson and Alexis Herring, Lowndes County; Division 5 – Robert Prater, Locust Grove and Division 6 – Conway McNeil and Hannah Exum, Berrien County.

Winners in the Plant Systems category were: Division 1 – Ty Parks, Lowndes County Middle; Division 2 – Tory Ratajcak and Ella Johnson, Hilsman Middle; Division 3 – Annelies Carr, Sonoraville; Gabriella Daugherty and Dawson Peek, Lowndes County; Division 5 – Courtney Cameron, Lowndes County and Division 6 – Levi Herring and Shaw Wacter, Lowndes County.

Winners in the Power, Structural and Technical Systems category were: Division 1 – Mackenzie Godwin, Franklin County Middle; Division 4 – Hailey Davis and Maegan Luke, Berrien County; Division 5 Thomas Gaffney, Cross Creek and Division 6 – Carol-Ann Worsham and Benjamin -continued

GFB News Alert page 7 of 11 Continued from previous page Worsham, Gordon Central. There were no entries in Division 2 or Division 3.

Winners in the Social Systems category were: Division 1 – Emma Ollis, Madison County Middle; Division 2 – Hadiza Sarr and Serenity Howell, Hilsman Middle; Division 3 - Spen Oliver, Harris County; Division 4 – Kaleb Bell and Meghan Livingston, Berrien County; Division 5 – Amara White, Gordon Central. There was no entry in Division 6.

Georgia FFA also gave proficiency awards in 46 SAE categories and Career Development Event (CDE) awards in 28 categories. For a list of the SAE Proficiency Award winners visit www.gaaged.org/page.aspx?ID=56.

For a list of the CDE winners visit www.gaaged.org/page.aspx?ID=49.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 11 GA COMMODITY COMMISSIONS BOARD MEMBER NOMINATIONS May 26 deadline to submit The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions for apples, blueberries, corn, cotton, equine, milk, peaches, pecans, soybeans, tobacco and vegetables will accept nominations to fill several positions for the respective boards. To be nominated, eligible individuals must be an active Georgia producer of the commodity. Nominations may be made by filling out a Nominee Information Form found at http://agr/georgia.gov/commodity-promotion-forms.aspx and sending it to: Georgia Department of Agriculture, 19 MLK Jr. Drive S.W. Room 320, Atlanta, GA 30334. The form may also be faxed to 404-656-9380, or emailed to andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov.

GFB TAKING YF CONTEST ENTRIES, CONFERENCE REGISTRATION May 26 registration/entry deadline The GFB Young Farmer Committee is accepting applications for the Young Farmer Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet. Registration is also open for the GFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference, which will be held July 19-22 on Jekyll Island. GFB members between the ages of 18-35 may apply for these awards or attend the conference.

Applications for the contests and conference will be accepted through May 26 at 4:30 p.m. and are available at county Farm Bureau offices. The state winners of each of the competitive events will be named at the GFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference in July. All rounds of the discussion meet and Excellence in Ag interviews for the top three applicants will be held at the leadership conference. The top three applicants for the achievement award will have on-farm interviews in late June. For more information on any of these awards or the conference, please visit www.gfb.org/yf or stop by your county Farm Bureau.

GEORGIA COTTON GROWERS’ EFFICIENCY SURVEY May 31 Deadline to submit The Georgia Cotton Commission has funded this research project designed to improve cotton production efficiency. Georgia cotton farmers are asked to provide data for this project.

Participation will involve filling out a questionnaire on various cotton inputs, farm qualities, and personal experience. Participants will be given the survey results this fall. Farmers will be able to log into www.georgiacottonfarmers.com and see how their farm compares to other cotton farms in Georgia in terms of production efficiency. Only your farm will be identified, others will be anonymous (as will yours to all other farmers). One of the goals of the survey is to provide farmers with information about usage levels of specific inputs they might want to adjust. These results will be in tables and graphs that will help Georgia cotton farmers learn where and how they can improve their efficiency and profitability. To complete the survey, visit www.GeorgiaCottonFarmers.com.

For more information contact UGA Agricultural and Applied Economics Director Dr. Jeffrey Dorfman at 706-542-0754 or jdorfman@uga.edu or graduate student Julian Worley at 706-6213666 or julian.worley@uga.edu.

GFB News Alert page 9 of 11 GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM PROGRAM June 1 Deadline to apply The Georgia Centennial Farm Program honors farms in three categories. The Centennial Heritage Farm Award honors farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Centennial Farm Award doesn’t require continuous family ownership, but farms must be at least 100 years old and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Centennial Family Farm Award honors farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that aren’t listed in the National Register of Historic Places. More than 500 farms have been recognized through the Centennial Farm Program since it began in 1993. Farm owners interested in applying for the award in 2017 should visit www.georgiacentennialfarms.org to download an application or contact Allison Asbrock at 770389-7868 or allison.asbrock@dnr.ga.gov. Applications must be postmarked by June 1.

43RD GEORGIA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL June 2 & 3 Alma Celebrate Georgia’s blueberry crop with a fun run, blueberry pancakes, blueberry pie eating contest, parade, arts/crafts, Civil War reenactments & much more! Visit www.georgiablueberryfestival.org or call 912-310-7399 for more information.

AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION SOY LEADERS OF THE FUTURE June 9 deadline to apply The American Soybean Association (ASA) and Valent USA are pleased to announce the Soy Leaders of the Future program, a new opportunity for young people interested in improving their understanding of major policy issues that impact soybean farmers, the importance of advocacy, and careers that can impact agricultural policy. The first class will take place this summer and will be held in conjunction with the ASA Board Meeting and Soy Issues Briefing, July 10-13, 2017, in Washington, D.C. To apply for the Soy Leaders of the Future program, students must be at least 18 years old and have an interest in learning more about advocacy and policy issues that impact U.S. soybean farmers and career opportunities in Washington, D.C. and the agriculture industry. This program may be especially appealing to students majoring in a various areas of agriculture, political science, communications and business. Program sponsors will cover all travel, lodging and meal expenses for the students who are selected for this program. Class size is limited. Visit http://bit.ly/soyleaders to complete an online application or for more information.

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 9.

2017 GEORGIA-FLORIDA TOBACCO TOUR June 12-14 Blackshear, Ga. to Live Oak, Fla. This annual tour provides up-to-date information on variety trials, control of tomato spotted wilt virus, insect control and much more. The tour will begin with a kick-off supper in Blackshear at 7 p.m. on June 12. For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/GaFltobaccotour or contact Dr. J. Michael Moore at 229-386-3006 or jmmoore@uga.edu.

GFB News Alert page 10 of 11 AFBF RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE June 30 deadline for entries The American Farm Bureau Federation is open for online applications for its fourth Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge. Entrepreneurs will compete for $145,000 in startup funds. The competition provides an opportunity for individuals to showcase ideas and business innovations that benefit rural regions of the United States. It is the first national rural business competition focused exclusively on innovative entrepreneurs working on food and agriculture businesses.

Competitors are invited to submit for-profit business ideas related to food and agriculture online at www.strongruralamerica.com/challenge.

The final four teams will compete in a live competition at AFBF’s 99th Annual Convention in Nashville on Jan. 7 for Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year award and $30,000 (chosen by judges), People’s Choice award and $25,000 (chosen by public vote), First runner-up prize, $15,000 and Second runner-up prize, $15,000 2017 AGAWARE WORKSHOP Aug. 25 Burke County Office Park Waynesboro AgSouth Farm Credit and AgGeorgia Farm Credit are hosting this workshop to give farmers a better understanding of how to approach their finances. Topics covered in the program include: balance sheets; income statements; family finance & family budgeting; risk management; accrual income; applying for financing and preparing a business plan. Bonus videos on recordkeeping, marketing and technology will be available for continued education. To register visit http://bit.ly/agawaresignup.

22nd ANNUAL LUMBER CITY FARM DAY FESTIVAL Sept. 9 & 10 Lumber City Saturday’s events include a Fun Run & 5K race, arts/crafts, food vendors, a parade and live entertainment. A community church service will be held Sept. 10. For more information or to register for the race visit www.lumbercityfarmday.org or call Jeanette Ban at 912-363-4643 or email jeaban2007@mac.com.

FARM BUREAU-AFFILIATED FARMERS MARKETS COBB COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARMERS MARKET Tuesdays 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

Lost Mountain Park Powder Springs Cobb County Farm Bureau (CCFB) in cooperation with Cobb County Parks & Recreation will host this farmers market. CCFB is offering vendor space to farmers, growers, and producers in Cobb and surrounding counties, with the goal of offering locally grown food to the community.

Each vendor must be a Farm Bureau member. Vendor fees are only $5 per week, with a discount for paying in full for the entire market season. For more information contact us at cobbcountyfarmbureau@gmail.com or Debbie Payne at dmpayne@gfb.org or 770-943-3531.

MONROE FARMERS MARKET Saturdays until Oct. 7 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Court Street, Downtown Monroe This market, sponsored in part by Walton County Farm Bureau, will feature fresh produce and goods from local farmers, work from local artisans and family friendly activities. For more information visit www.monroedowntownfarmersmarket.com

GFB News Alert page 11 of 11 WOODSTOCK FARM FRESH MARKET Saturdays May-September 8:30 am to Noon.

Woodstock Located on Market Street in Downtown Woodstock, the market features vendors who grow at least 85 percent of the product they sell. The Cherokee County Farm Bureau is partnering with the market to bring special events to the market throughout the 2017 season. For more information call 770-924-0406 or visit bit.ly/WoodstockFarmFreshMarket.

CANTON FARMERS MARKET May 27- Oct. 28 Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Cannon Park Canton This market features 100 percent GA Grown produce and handcrafted items. Cherokee County Farm Bureau will hold an event once a month at the market promoting watermelon day, apple day, peach day etc. On May 27 CCFB will be on hand to promote vegetables.

ROCKDALE/DEKALB FARM BUREAU FARMERS MARKET Tuesdays & Saturdays beginning June 3 8 a.m. – noon, RDCFB office Conyers Beginning June 3, the Rockdale/DeKalb Farm Bureau Farmers Market will be held at 1400 Parker Rd. SE in Conyers. The public is invited to stop by and shop for fresh, locally grown vegetables, dairy products, crafts and more. The market is expected to run into late summer or early fall when produce production ends. For more information contact the Rockdale/DeKalb County Farm Bureau office at 770-922-3566.

UNION COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Tuesdays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., 148 Old Smokey Road Blairsville Beginning June 3, the public is welcome to shop for fresh, locally grown vegetables from local farmers. For more information contact Mickey Cummings or Kristy Peney at 706-781-8802 or visit www.ucfarmersmarket.com. Union County Farm Bureau will sponsor a tractor show at the market Labor Day weekend.

SHIELDS-ETHRIDGE HERITAGE FARM CULTIVATORS MARKET June 3, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2 & Oct. 21 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 2355 Ethridge Rd. Jefferson Jackson County Farm Bureau (JCFB) sponsors this monthly open-air market that features local farmers and entrepreneurs selling products they make or grow in a festival atmosphere. Market held rain or shine. The Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm is an outdoor ag museum that functions as an educational and interpretative facility. Proceeds from the market will be used for restoration projects at the farm. If you are interested in having a booth at the market, contact JCFB Office Manager Denise Temple at dftemple@gfb.org or call 706-367-8877 or visit www.shieldsethridgefarminc.com to complete an application online.

PAULDING COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, Mid-June through Oct. 26 3 p.m.-7 p.m., 549 Hardee St. Dallas Paulding County Farm Bureau (PCFB) is accepting vendors for its weekly farmers market that will be held at the PCFB office starting in mid-June. Visit the market’s Facebook page(http://bit.ly/PCFBmkt) for weekly updates. Vendors will sell locally grown produce and other ag commodities or homemade crafts. There is no fee to participate but vendors must be Farm Bureau members. To participate in the market, contact Tracy Grice at 770-445-6681 or email her at tcgrice@gfb.org.